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Oklahoma City Thunder notebook: Kevin Durant still adjusting to playmaking role

Durant has 16 turnovers in three games, a number that would be considerably less if he would look to shoot rather than pass.

By John Rohde •
Published: November 4, 2012

Three-time All-Star Kevin Durant finished just two assists away from a triple-double against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Kevin Durant (35) shoots as the Oklahoma City Thunder play the Atlanta Hawks in NBA basketball at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012. Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman

He also finished just four turnovers shy of a quadruple-double as the Thunder lost 104-95 before a sellout crowd of 18,203.

Rarely does a player threaten a triple-double on what could be considered a so-so performance. Durant had 22 points, but shot just 7 for 17 from the field. He also had 12 points and eight rebounds, but committed six turnovers.

There have been several times the league's three-time scoring champ is thinking pass rather than shoot.

“I never complain about guys trying to make the extra pass and making the right play,” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. “Kevin is a playmaker who makes the right play. I thought he passed up four shots tonight, and that's something I will talk to him about. When you're open, you've got to shoot it. That's what we talk about to all of our guys.”

Durant has 16 turnovers in three games, a number that would be considerably less if he would look to shoot rather than pass.

“Sometimes I've got to be more aggressive to score. That's what I do,” Durant said. “Next game I'll be better in that area. I've got to make more plays, my teammates and myself. Some shots I think I should have took, but I passed up, but I'll be better next time.”

FAMILIAR FACE

Atlanta Hawks assistant coach/consultant Bob Weiss was an assistant with the Seattle SuperSonics when they selected Nick Collison with the 12th pick in the 2003 Draft.

Weiss helped Collison cope with having surgery on both shoulders his rookie season.

“He was really helpful with me,” Collison said of Weiss. “He did a good job. I like Bob a lot. He was important for me as a young player, for sure. He was always the guy who kept everything in perspective. When everyone else was serious, he was kind of the guy who could maybe have a lighter moment with you and get you to relax and play. He's been around the league a long time. He's a really smart guy.”